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MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray with SolSci-X SPF 40 is a lightweight, fragrance-free aerosol sunscreen that dries exceptionally fast. Unfortunately, this aesthetic lightness is provided via its alcohol-based formula. If MDSolarSciences had chosen an alternative ingredient that didn’t have alcohol’s damaging impact on skin, this would have easily earned a higher rating! See More Info for details on why alcohol is such a problem for skin.

Unlike most MDSolarSciences mineral-based sunscreens, Quick Dry Body Spray with SolSci-X SPF 40 contains non-mineral actives. In this case, they rely on a combination of the actives avobenzone and octisalate, which ordinarily would give us pause given that there seems to be no apparent stabilizer for these ingredients. However, MDSolarSciences did include the butyloctyl salicylate, an ingredient that stabilizes avobenzone, thus assuring broad-spectrum protection. It’s also likely that’s what they’re referring to with their “SolSci-X,” which is just a marketing name they’ve given to this stabilizer.

This is also water-resistant up to 80 minutes, and as it relies on non-mineral actives, you won’t face the same challenge removing it as you do with the other MDSolarSciences sunscreens. There’s also the added benefit of antioxidants to help offset free-radical damage; there isn’t a comprehensive array of them, but what’s included is good.

This isn’t the ideal spray-on sunscreen, but if you’re caught on a beach without sun protection and the question is: “Shall I use this or skip sun protection altogether?” The answer: “Yes, use it, because any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen.” However, this is absolutely not a good option for daily use, especially when there are so many excellent alternatives on our list of Best Sunscreens (Including Kids) in Beautypedia.

Pros:

Provides broad-spectrum sun protection.

Fragrance-free.

Lightweight, easy-to-use formula.

Cons:

Alcohol-based, which is damaging to skin over the long term.

More Info:

Alcohol-Based Skincare or Makeup Products: A significant amount of research shows alcohol causes free-radical damage in skin even at low levels (Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 2012). Small amounts of alcohol on skin cells in lab settings (about 3%, but keep in mind skin-care products contain amounts ranging from 5% to 60% or greater) over the course of two days increased cell death by 26%. It also destroyed the substances in cells that reduce inflammation and defend against free radicals—this process actually causes more free-radical damage. If this weren't bad enough, exposure to alcohol actually causes skin cells to self-destruct (Alcohol, 2002).

Research also shows that these destructive, aging effects on skin cells increased the longer skin was exposed to alcohol; for example, two days of exposure was dramatically more harmful than one day, and that's at only a 3% concentration (Alcohol, 2002). In fact, the effect of inflammation in the skin is cumulative, and repeated exposure to irritants contributes to a weakened skin barrier, slower healing (including of red marks from breakouts), and a dull, uneven complexion (Aging, 2012 & Chemical Immunology and Allergy, 2012).

Jar Packaging:No

Tested on animals:No

Lightweight, non-greasy, and fast-drying, this ProVention-R antioxidant-infused spray leaves skin silky-smooth to the touch. With the push of a button, it provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Strengths: Excellent array of fragrance-free mineral sunscreens; products are packaged to protect ingredients from exposure to air and light; a very good eye-area treatment; water-resistant sunscreen formulas; nearly all sunscreens contain beneficial antioxidants and are suitable for sensitive skin.

Weaknesses: Some products are on the pricey side; some of the mineral sunscreens are difficult to remove; a few formulas contain irritating fragrant ingredients or fragrance.

MDSolarSciences specializes in mineral-based sunscreens, and you will find multiple variations of silicone-based, gel-cream formulas with a blend of the sunscreen actives titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Mineral sunscreens are particularly ideal for those with sensitive skin, including those with rosacea or eczema, as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are virtually non-reactive; that is, they have little to no ability to provoke irritation. To our delight, nearly every MDSolarSciences formula is free of fragrance, including their mineral sunscreen options.

While many love the scent of citrus, lavender, or spicy notes, such ingredients and compounds-whether natural or synthetic-are potentially irritating to skin (especially if you're dealing with issues like rosacea or eczema). A few of the newer MDSolarSciences formulas do include some degree of fragrance, which is a disappointing turn for the brand and one we hope doesn't continue as the brand's product lineup expands. Those that contain fragrance are noted as such in their respective reviews.

The polarizing aspect of mineral sunscreens is often aesthetic-and that's certainly no exception with the options offered by MDSolarScience. Any mineral-based sunscreen will have some degree of white cast-it's unavoidable-and whether a particular product's degree of such is suitable for you is subjective. The white cast and the texture of the MDSolarSciences mineral sunscreens have varying levels of intensity and thickness, all qualities that are noted in each review.

Another note: As all of their mineral sunscreens are water-resistant (at the time of this review), they are exceptionally tenacious. You may need to use a soft washcloth or cleansing tool (like the Clarisonic, etc.) with your cleanser, or consider using a few drops of nonfragrant plant oil before your cleanser to help aid the removal process.

About the Experts

The Beautypedia team consists of skin care and makeup experts personally trained by the original Cosmetics Cop and best-selling beauty author, Paula Begoun. We’re fascinated by skin care and makeup products and thrilled when they meet or exceed our expectations, but we’re also disappointed when they fail to perform as claimed, are wildly overpriced, or contain ingredients scientific research has proven can hurt skin.

Our mission has always been to help you find the best products for your skin, no matter your budget or preferences. Beautypedia’s thorough and insightful reviews cut through the hype and provide reliable recommendations for all ages, skin types, and skin tones.

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